Toronto's First Elementary Alternative School
Since 1972, The ALPHA Community has explored a wide variety of unique approaches to supporting our children's development as they “acquire the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society”
Child Guided Learning
ALPHA belongs firmly to the long tradition of learner-centered education that sees a child’s curiosity as the primary driver for knowledge acquisition. We respect children’s desire to become competent and participate in the greater world.
It's Important to Us
ALPHA is a democracy based on consensus. Consensus is achieved when different points of view are incorporated through discussion. The goal is not compromise but refinement of a proposal until everyone can feel satisfied with a decision.
ALPHA Open House – December 11, 2025 If you’re looking for a school where… your child gets a say in what, how, and when they learn your child gets individual feedback instead of grades, tests, or report cards students have lots of time to play, be outdoors, and just be
We Want to Know What You Want! We continue to envision year-long celebratory programming culminating in a grand and joyful event in the Spring of 2023, with both in-person and online festivities. We want to hear from YOU. What would you like to see as part of our big extended
Last month on RewirED, we asked the question “What the heck does “ALTERNATIVE” education even mean?” What makes it different than a quote unquote “traditional” style of schooling? Listen in here: ListenNotes.com: RewirED all about how we build community, creativity, collaboration and conflict resolution at ALPHA. with former ALPHA teacher